Otero College and Kids Crossing Child Placement Agency Join Forces to Spread Holiday Cheer to Foster Children

Otero College is proud to announce its partnership with Kids Crossing Child Placement Agency to host a Giving Tree. This heartwarming initiative aims to bring joy to foster children during the holiday season by providing them with carefully selected gifts.

The Giving Tree is prominently displayed in the foyer of the McDivitt Center Gym on Otero College’s campus. Each ornament tag features specific gifts requested by a child in need. Community members, students, and faculty are encouraged to participate by selecting an ornament, purchasing at least one gift listed on the tag, and returning the gift along with the tag to Otero College by December 7th.

“We are excited to collaborate with Kids Crossing to make a positive impact on the lives of foster children in our community,” said Malorie Weiss, Recruitment and Community Outreach Coordinator at Otero College. “The Giving Tree program embodies the spirit of giving and allows us to come together as a community to support those who may be facing challenges during the holiday season.”

Alyssa, an Otero College student athlete, shared her perspective on the profound impact of receiving gifts during her time in the foster care system. “When you’re in the system, you can get moved around a lot. When that happens, you eventually start feeling unimportant and like people don’t care about you. By receiving a gift that you want, something that is yours, you are reminded that there are people out there that care, and that you are important.”

Alyssa continued, “When I received gifts from a program similar to Kid’s Crossing, it was something that I will always remember because, for the first time in my life, I felt important.”

The Giving Tree program not only provides tangible gifts but also delivers a powerful message of care and importance to foster children who may be navigating challenging circumstances. The college invites the community to join in this meaningful initiative and make a positive impact in the lives of these deserving children.

For more information about the Giving Tree program, please contact Malorie Weiss, Recruitment and Community Outreach Coordinator, Otero College, malorie.weiss@otero.edu, 719-384-6891.